On Prayer

By Sharon Chihaka Chanyau

The questions!

What is praying and how do I pray? The Word says I should pray without ceasing? Does it mean I have to be kneeling, bowing down or lying prostrate as some would want all the time? Eyes closed and audibly talking to God all the time? Growing up, some of us praying meant folding up and bringing our hands together just below our faces and closing our eyes tightly so as not to miss God. So does 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and all the other verses in the Bible mean all this? You ask.

What I say!

Beloved, engaging in prayer is that attitude of God-consciousness and surrendering to God that one carries or exudes steadfastly. Being aware that God is with us and He is the Father and is actively interested and involved in what we think and do. But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand. Do not be angry beyond measure, O LORD, Nor remember iniquity forever; Behold, look now, all of us are Your people. (Isaiah 64:8-9)

Prayer should be an effortless activity something that comes naturally like breathing. No one has ever reminded themselves to breathe.Also, prayer should not be a daunting task; it is talking (a conversation) with our Heavenly and beloved Maker, our Father. What if I do not find the right words to say? You ask. Beloved, if you engage in prayer through your head, it’s going to be a tough experience. Rather let your heart and spirit pour out and connect to the One who knows all your secrets, needs, cares and wants. Do not hold back. Tell him everything and anything, He loves to listen and talk to you and He is a good Father. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.(Jeremiah 29:2)

When times get hard *worry, fear, anger, discouragement* and in need of relief and hope the Word encourages us stop worrying and being anxious. (Philippians 4:6). Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. As troubles and uncertain situations come, your first response is prayer and supplication.

Not only do we pour our hearts and ask of the Father all that we need, we also receive wisdom and revelations. Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. (Jeremiah 33:3)

Beloved our relationship with the Father is strengthened by spending time and talking to Him. Praying is one way to guarantee your growth in the Christian walk. And one more thing, you can pray anywhere, anytime!

The Lord’s Prayer

“Jesus said, “Pray, then, in this way:

‘Our Father who is in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

‘Your kingdom come Your will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

‘Give us this day our daily bread. ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

[For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]’